Media

GREENSBORO, NC (April 11, 2014) – ConvaTec, a leading global medical products and technologies company, today launched an innovative new ostomy pouch that for the first time brings the clinically-proven skin and leak protection of Moldable Technology to ostomates who prefer the convenience of a one-piece pouch.

The launch is the latest in a series of new product introductions that leverage ConvaTec’s Moldable Technology to meet a broader set of customer needs.

People with an ostomy have a surgically-created opening (or stoma) for the discharge of bodily waste, commonly as a result of certain cancers or bowel disease. The new Esteem®+ one-piece pouch features a moldable, elastic-like seal that “rebounds” to fit any stoma size and shape, providing an incredibly secure, snug fit.

Studies show that half of all ostomates develop skin complications, and the majority of problems stem from bodily waste leaking in between the stoma and the seal. By contrast, more than 95 percent of patients who started on Moldable Technology kept their skin healthy, and over 86 percent of those with pre-existing skin disorders had improved skin after switching to Moldable Technology.

“Having an ostomy can be a very difficult experience,” said Douglas LeFort, Vice President and General Manager of ConvaTec’s Ostomy Care business. “Our technology is clinically proven to keep skin healthy so that people with an ostomy can live life to the fullest.

“The one-piece pouch is an important addition to our Moldable Technology portfolio, which addresses a full range of customer needs and preferences.”

Leaks and skin issues also contribute to high levels of hospital readmission for ostomy patients. Reducing readmissions is a big concern for hospitals and other payers who are looking to reduce costs and avoid payment penalties under the Affordable Care Act, while also improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

With Moldable Technology, a person with an ostomy simply rolls and molds the adhesive to fit his or her stoma. The moldable seal also “turtlenecks” upward to enhance the seal and maximize skin protection. Other skin barriers don’t move with and respond to the stoma this way, and can leave gaps and expose skin to the damaging effects of bodily waste.

The thin, flexible design of the new Esteem®+ pouch also moves with the body and provides a slim profile. Made with a soft comfort panel, the pouch features an advanced filter and an easy-view window on the front of the pouch.

Click here for a Backgrounder on Ostomy Skin Complications and Moldable Technology.

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About ConvaTec

ConvaTec is a global medical products and technologies company, with leading market positions in ostomy care, wound therapeutics, continence and critical care, and infusion devices. Our products provide a range of clinical and economic benefits, including infection prevention, protection of at-risk skin, improved patient outcomes and reduced total cost of care. ConvaTec has over 8,000 employees, with 11 manufacturing sites in 8 countries, and we do business in more than 100 countries. We are owned by Nordic Capital and Avista Capital Partners.

AQUACEL® Ag Dressing is not a drug • In all of our silver products, the anti-microbial activity occurs within the dressing. The correlation between in vitro testing and clinical effectiveness has not been evaluated.